Project Overview
This project addressed risks associated with implementing agricultural business plans. Building collaborative relationships with other local entrepreneurs and with successful mentors wss difficult for non mainsteam agricultural entrepreneurs due to the rural and isolated nature of the region. The program allowed those of like interests to identify each other and build relationships.
The ninety participants were from six rural counties of Northern New York (Essex, Clinton, Franklin, St.Lawrence, Lewis and Jefferson). Each month between September and February, a successful entrepreneur (mentor) from one of five areas of expertise (identified previously by 2005 NECRME participants as equine, small ruminant, vegetable/herb, natural/organic/grass-fed livestock and forestry/natural resources) w openly discussed the details of their production practices, business experiences and business plan implementation. Participants were provided up to an hour of phone consultation with entrepreneurial mentors to assist them in successful implementation of business plans as demanded. Participants were able to access mentors as they wished. The participants were happy to know that a safety net existed for them.
Due to time constraints participants were not able to meet monthly but did access and net work with each other on a one to one basis.
Several participants realized that they were not in a position to continue with their plans.
It was difficult to get participants to do a formal business plan, however seven did complete one and are implementing the plans.
Number of Participants: 90
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.